Nationalism in India grew slowly in the beginning, but after 1919 it became a large mass movement. Many Indian leaders, movements, and ideas helped people come together. People began to see themselves not as members of different regions, castes or religions, but as part of one nation—India. Newspapers, public meetings, festivals, literature, and increasing British exploitation all helped in developing this feeling.

Satyagraha and Gandhi’s Early Movements

The Idea of Satyagraha

The term Satyagraha was introduced by Mahatma Gandhi. It means Satya (truth) + Agraha (firm insistence). It refers to fighting without violence for truth and justice.

Main Principles of Satyagraha

• Truth is the most powerful force.
• No violence should be used.
• The aim is to change the heart of the oppressor.
• Satyagraha is not a weapon of the weak; it is a moral force.

Gandhi’s Early Satyagraha Movements

Champaran Movement (1917): Against forced indigo cultivation; led to relief for farmers.

Kheda Movement (1918): Peasants demanded tax reduction due to crop failure; taxes were relaxed.

Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918): Gandhi supported workers for better wages.

These movements made Gandhi a popular national leader and prepared the base for mass struggle.

The Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

The Rowlatt Act, 1919

The British passed the Rowlatt Act in March 1919, based on the recommendations of Sir Sidney Rowlatt.

Features of the Rowlatt Act

• The government could arrest anyone without a warrant.
• Detention without trial for up to 2 years.
• No right to appeal or lawyer.
• Restrictions on press and public meetings.

Indians saw it as the “Black Act” because it destroyed civil rights.

Effects

• Widespread anger and protests.
• Gandhi started the Rowlatt Satyagraha in April 1919.
• These protests led to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (13 April 1919)

On 13 April 1919, people gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, for a peaceful meeting. The park had only one narrow exit.

What Happened?

• General Dyer blocked the exit.
• Without warning, he ordered troops to fire on the unarmed crowd.
• About 1000+ were killed and 1500+ injured (British records were lower).

Impact

• Shock and anger throughout India.
• Rabindranath Tagore returned his knighthood.
• Gandhi ended the Rowlatt Satyagraha but prepared for bigger movements.
• Deepened mistrust of British rule.

Khilafat Movement and Non-Cooperation Movement

Khilafat Movement (1919–1924)

After World War I, the Ottoman Empire was defeated. Muslims feared that the Caliph might lose authority.

Leaders

• Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
• Supported strongly by Mahatma Gandhi

Causes

• Harsh treatment of Turkey after WWI.
• Loss of Caliph’s authority.
• Demand for British justice.

Effects

• United Hindus and Muslims.
• Strengthened the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Ended in 1924 when Turkey abolished the Caliphate.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)

Gandhi launched this after the injustice of the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Programme

• Boycott British goods, schools, colleges, and courts.
• Resign from government jobs.
• Promote Swadeshi and Khadi.

Result

• Spread nationalism widely.
• Ended after the violent Chauri Chaura incident.

Swadeshi Movement (1905; revived 1920s)

The first major Swadeshi movement began after the partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon.

Leaders

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak
• Lala Lajpat Rai
• Bipin Chandra Pal
• Aurobindo Ghosh

Features

• Boycott foreign goods.
• Promote Indian industries.
• Bonfire of foreign cloth.
• Establish national schools.

Impact

• Economic nationalism increased.
• Political awareness spread.
• Laid the foundation for future movements.

Civil Disobedience, Revolutionary Activities & Quit India

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)

This movement involved openly breaking British laws considered unjust.

Dandi March (Salt March)

• Started: 12 March 1930
• Route: Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi (240 km)
• Gandhi broke the Salt Law on 6 April 1930

This inspired millions to join the movement.

Gandhi–Irwin Pact (1931)

Congress suspended the movement. Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference, but no major results came.

Revolutionary Movements

Many youth groups believed in armed resistance.

Important Groups & Events

• HSRA — Leaders: Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Chandrashekhar Azad
• Kakori Conspiracy (1925) — Led by Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan
• Lahore Conspiracy Case

Martyrdom

Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were hanged on 23 March 1931.

Quit India Movement – 1942

Launched by Gandhi on 8 August 1942 with the slogan “Do or Die”.

Leaders were arrested, but the movement spread rapidly and became the final push against British rule.

Sense of Collective Belonging

Growth of Emotional Unity

People started feeling connected as one community, strengthening nationalism.

Main Factors

• National songs and symbols.
• "Vande Mataram".
• Literature and folk tales.
• Newspapers and printing press.
• Swadeshi and boycott movements.

Importance

• Helped people rise above caste and religion.
• Built unity for mass movements.
• Created emotional strength for the freedom struggle.

Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)

Details

The British sent the Cabinet Mission to India on 24 March 1946 to plan the transfer of power.

Members

• Lord Pethick-Lawrence
• Sir Stafford Cripps
• A.V. Alexander

Proposals

• Formation of a Constituent Assembly.
• Three-tier federal structure: Centre, groups of provinces, provinces.
• Group A, B, C system for provinces.

Outcome

• Interim Government formed.
• Congress–League disagreements.
• Did not stop Partition but paved the way for Independence.

Prajamandal Movement

Stages of the Movement

Occurred in princely states where rulers were autocratic.

Main Leaders

• Vijay Singh Pathik
• Gopabandhu Das
• Supported by Jawaharlal Nehru

Stages

• Formation of Prajamandal groups.
• Public meetings and petitions.
• Civil disobedience.
• Clashes with rulers.
• Merging with national movement.

Importance

• Spread democratic ideas.
• Weakened feudal systems.
• Helped unify India after independence.

Final Phase & Independence (1946–1947)

Important Events

• Cabinet Mission failed.
• Mountbatten Plan introduced.
• India became independent on 14–15 August 1947.

Key Personalities

• Jawaharlal Nehru — First Prime Minister
• Lord Mountbatten — Last Viceroy
• Mahatma Gandhi — Father of the Nation

This period marks the end of British rule and the birth of independent India.